Archives for January 2026

Good morning,

This will be an encouragement and challenge. Read and be blessed.

Sweeter than honey!

Charles Spurgeon, et al.

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

The humble bee, though small and silent, teaches profound lessons to the soul that has eyes to see the handiwork of God. Day after day, she leaves her hive in search of nectar, flitting from flower to flower. Each blossom is different–some rich, some poor; some radiant, some plain. And yet, when her work is done, and the nectar has been brought back, processed, and perfected–the result is always the same: sweet, golden honey.

By a special God-given instinct, bees gather not only from the ruddy rose, but also from the snow-white lily. They visit every kind of bloom, drawing nectar from all the beauties of the garden, and from this wide variety, they concoct a sweetness altogether unsurpassed.

So it is with our blessed Lord Jesus Christ. He is the rare confection of all divine perfections. In Him, all excellencies compounded and commingled in divine harmony. He is the meeting of all sweetnesses, to make one perfect sweet. In Him are . . .
  mercy and truth,
    majesty and meekness,
      justice and grace,
        glory and humility;
each a full perfection, yet all blended without contradiction in the matchless Person of the Son of God.

What a picture this is of the providence and grace of God in our own lives! The Lord gathers from every event–joy and sorrow, comfort and affliction, gain and loss–and by the secret working of His Spirit, produces the fruit of righteousness in His redeemed children.

Even our bitter trials are made to serve His purpose. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace.” Hebrews 12:11. Like the bee, we are not the authors of the sweetness–but vessels through which God brings it forth.

And just as bees create one consistent honey from many diverse flowers–so the Scriptures, though written by many hands over many centuries, are a perfect unity. The Bible is a divine harmony–sixty-six books, yet one message: salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in  Christ alone. Its truth is consistent, its promises are sure, and its taste is sweeter than honey to the soul that loves Him.

Let us, then, be like the bee–industrious, trusting, and content.

And let us feed daily on His Word, that we may be nourished with that which is eternally sweet. “The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.” Psalm 19:9-10

Let us keep our eyes on Jesus, knowing that in Him, all the beauties and excellencies of God are gathered and revealed. Jesus is the sweetest, fullest, richest, freest, and most inexhaustible fountain of delight that ever sprang up for sinful man. “I sat down in His shade with great delight, and His fruit was sweet to my taste!” Song of Solomon 2:3

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Happy New Year!

Our theme for the year is “What Will You Risk in 2026? The next four weeks we will study 4 Whys.

Why read the Bible? Why pray? Why obey God? And why witness for Christ?

What things will you risk to make these happen? Time, fear, or lack of commitment?

What Will You Risk in 2026?

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Why read your Bible?

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness–that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”( 2 Timothy 3:16-17)

The Bible is the greatest book ever written. It tells us how the world began, how it will end, and its complete history. It tells us about life and death. It tells us why there is so much wickedness in the world. It tells us of the love of God. It explains what sin is and why we need a Savior.

The Illumination of God’s Word (Psalm 119:105-112)

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.¹⁰⁶ I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.¹⁰⁷ I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word.¹⁰⁸ Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me thy judgments.¹⁰⁹ My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.¹¹⁰ The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.¹¹¹ Thy testimonies have I taken as a heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.¹¹² I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes always, even unto the end.”

The word of God illuminates our way. If we read it and obey it, God’s word provides a clear path. It gives us direction and purpose. The Psalmist testifies to this point. 

He says he will obey, give, not forget, and perform the words of God always. He states that the word of God is the rejoicing of his heart. He asks God to teach him and quicken (make alive) in his time of affliction.

We all like coming into a well-lit room. However, when a bulb goes out, the light dims. Then we cannot see as well. That is what happens when we neglect to read and obey the word of God. 

God desires to illuminate our way. Are our eyes opened and hearts prepared to receive God’s blessings?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Happy New Year!

Our theme for the year is “What Will You Risk in 2026? The next four weeks we will study 4 Whys.

Why read the Bible? Why pray? Why obey God? And why witness for Christ?

What things will you risk to make these happen? Time, fear, or lack of commitment?

What Will You Risk in 2026?

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Why read your Bible?

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness–that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”( 2 Timothy 3:16-17)

The Bible is the greatest book ever written. It tells us how the world began, how it will end, and its complete history. It tells us about life and death. It tells us why there is so much wickedness in the world. It tells us of the love of God. It explains what sin is and why we need a Savior.

 The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.

Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its stories are true, and its decisions are immutable.

Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy.

It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.

It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter.

Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of Hell disclosed.

Christ is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end.

It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.

Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully.

It is a mine of wealth, health to the soul, and a river of pleasure.

It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.

(J.C. Ryle)

1. Read the Bible with an earnest desire to understand it.
Do not be content to just read the words of Scripture.
Seek to grasp the message they contain.

2. Read the Scriptures with a simple, childlike faith and humility.
Believe what God reveals. Our reason must bow to God’s revelation.

3. Read the Word with a spirit of obedience and self-application.
Apply what God says to yourself, and obey His will in all things.

4. Read the Holy Scriptures every day.
We quickly lose the nourishment and strength of yesterday’s food.
We must feed our souls daily upon the manna God has given to us.

5. Read the whole Bible and read it in an orderly way.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable.”
I know of no better way to read the Bible than to start at the beginning and read straight through to the end, a portion every day, comparing Scripture with Scripture.

6. Read the Word of God fairly and honestly.
As a general rule, any passage of Scripture means what it appears to mean.
Interpret every passage in this simple manner, in its context.

7. Read the Scriptures prayerfully, ever asking the Holy Spirit to illumine the Word.”Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.” Luke 24:45

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” Psalm 119:18

8. Read the Bible with Christ constantly in view.
The whole Book is about Him. Look for Him on every page.
He is there. If you fail to see Him there, you need to read that page again.

“And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself.” Luke 24:27

The Illumination of God’s Word (Psalm 119:105-112)

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.¹⁰⁶ I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.¹⁰⁷ I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word.¹⁰⁸ Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me thy judgments.¹⁰⁹ My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.¹¹⁰ The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.¹¹¹ Thy testimonies have I taken as a heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.¹¹² I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes always, even unto the end.”

The word of God illuminates our way. If we read it and obey it, God’s word provides a clear path. It gives us direction and purpose. The Psalmist testifies to this point. 

He says he will obey, give, not forget, and perform the words of God always. He states that the word of God is the rejoicing of his heart. He asks God to teach him and quicken (make alive) in his time of affliction.

We all like coming into a well-lit room. However, when a bulb goes out, the light dims. Then we cannot see as well. That is what happens when we neglect to read and obey the word of God. 

God desires to illuminate our way. Are our eyes opened and hearts prepared to receive God’s blessings?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Happy New Year!

Our theme for the year is “What Will You Risk in 2026? The next four weeks we will study 4 Whys.

Why read the Bible? Why pray? Why obey God? And why witness for Christ?

What things will you risk to make these happen? Time, fear, or lack of commitment?

What Will You Risk in 2026?

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Why read your Bible?

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness–that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”( 2 Timothy 3:16-17)

The Bible is the greatest book ever written. It tells us how the world began, how it will end, and its complete history. It tells us about life and death. It tells us why there is so much wickedness in the world. It tells us of the love of God. It explains what sin is and why we need a Savior.

(J.C. Ryle)

1. Read the Bible with an earnest desire to understand it.
Do not be content to just read the words of Scripture.
Seek to grasp the message they contain.

2. Read the Scriptures with a simple, childlike faith and humility.
Believe what God reveals. Our reason must bow to God’s revelation.

3. Read the Word with a spirit of obedience and self-application.
Apply what God says to yourself, and obey His will in all things.

4. Read the Holy Scriptures every day.
We quickly lose the nourishment and strength of yesterday’s food.
We must feed our souls daily upon the manna God has given to us.

5. Read the whole Bible and read it in an orderly way.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable.”
I know of no better way to read the Bible than to start at the beginning and read straight through to the end, a portion every day, comparing Scripture with Scripture.

6. Read the Word of God fairly and honestly.
As a general rule, any passage of Scripture means what it appears to mean.
Interpret every passage in this simple manner, in its context.

7. Read the Scriptures prayerfully, ever asking the Holy Spirit to illumine the Word.”Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.” Luke 24:45

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” Psalm 119:18

8. Read the Bible with Christ constantly in view.
The whole Book is about Him. Look for Him on every page.
He is there. If you fail to see Him there, you need to read that page again.

“And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself.” Luke 24:27

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Happy New Year!

Our theme for the year is “What Will You Risk in 2026? The next four weeks we will study 4 Whys.

Why read the Bible? Why pray? Why obey God? And why witness for Christ?

What things will you risk to make these happen? Time, fear, or lack of commitment?

What Will You Risk in 2026?

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Why read your Bible?

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness–that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”( 2 Timothy 3:16-17)

The Bible is the greatest book ever written. It tells us how the world began, how it will end, and its complete history. It tells us about life and death. It tells us why there is so much wickedness in the world. It tells us of the love of God. It explains what sin is and why we need a Savior.

 
The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.

Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its stories are true, and its decisions are immutable.

Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy.

It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.

It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter.

Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of Hell disclosed.

Christ is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end.

It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.

Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully.

It is a mine of wealth, health to the soul, and a river of pleasure.

It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Year End Inventory

Contributed by Carl Willis on Nov 28, 2017

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:5 (Note: Scriptures verses changed from NLT to KJV)

Summary: Year End Inventory: Taking stock of what’s in your heart

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? (2 Corinthians 13:5)

Examine Your Love

But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?¹⁸ My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.          (1 John 3:17-18)

Do people see it in your actions and character?

Examine Your Ideals

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.(Romans 12:2) 

What is God’s good and perfect will for your life?

Examine Your Attitude

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.(1 Corinthians 13:2) 

Toward Christ

John 14:15

If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15) 

Towards others

Galatians 5:13

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (Galatians 5:13) 

Towards yourself

Romans 12:3

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (Romans 12:3)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com